Under the Abati law it was death for any one outside of
the permitted degree of relationship to tamper with the affections of
the Child of Kings. Nor was this wonderful, since that person held her
seat in virtue of her supposed direct descent from Solomon and the first
Maqueda, Queen of Sheba, and therefore the introduction of any alien
blood could not be tolerated.

Moreover, Orme, having sworn an oath of allegiance, had become subject
to those laws. Lastly, I could not in the least hope from the character
of the pair concerned that this was but a passing flirtation.

Oh! without a doubt these two had signed their own death-warrant yonder
in the Cave of Death, and incidentally ours also. This must be the end
of our adventure and my long search for the son whom I had lost.

CHAPTER XI

THE RESCUE FAILS

Our breakfast on the following morning was a somewhat gloomy meal. By
common consent no allusion was made to the events of the previous day,
or to our conversation at bedtime.

Indeed, there was no talk at all to speak of, since, not knowing
what else to do, I thought I could best show my attitude of mind by
preserving a severe silence, while Quick seemed to be absorbed
in philosophical reflections, and Orme looked rather excited and
dishevelled, as though he had been writing poetry, as I daresay was
the case. In the midst of this dreary meal a messenger arrived, who
announced that the Walda Nagasta would be pleased to see us all within
half-an-hour.

Fearing lest Orme should say something foolish, I answered briefly that
we would wait upon her, and the man went, leaving us wondering what had
happened to cause her to desire our presence.

At the appointed time we were shown into the small audience room, and,
as we passed its door, I ventured to whisper to Oliver:

"For your own sake and hers, as well as that of the rest of us, I
implore you to be careful. Your face is watched as well as your words."

"All right, old fellow," he answered, colouring a little. "You may trust
me."

"I wish I could," I muttered.

Then we were shown in ceremoniously, and made our bows to Maqueda, who
was seated, surrounded by some of the judges and officers, among them,
Prince Joshua, and talking to two rough-looking men clad in ordinary
brown robes. She greeted us, and after the exchange of the usual
compliments, said:

"Friends, I have summoned you for this reason. This morning when the
traitor Shadrach was being led out